Going on 1st Disney Cruise in 6 days. Booked late so got 2nd Seating Dining. Not happy with having a 4 year old. Is it difficult to have it changed once onboard? Does it normally happen or are there thousands of others trying to do the same thing? Thanks!”

Welcome aboard, Laura! With all the frigid temperatures in the states right now, I can only imagine that you're very excited to head south to the warmer waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean! Can you take me with you?

If you'd like to try to change to the main dining seating, take a look at the first page of your Personal Navigator (the schedule of the activities and events onboard). You'll receive this when you arrive at the port terminal. There should be a note that says "To Change Dining Assignment" with specifics about where and when you can check in with Cast Members that first day to possibly change your assignment. It's not guaranteed, but certainly worth checking. Alternately, you might try calling Disney Cruise Line today at 800-951-3532. Guests change reservations all the time, so you may be surprised to find that space for main dining has opened up over the past few days. Give it a shot!

The good news is that if you do end up with the second seating, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Since each day you'll be off exploring some amazing ports, you might find that your little one is ready for a late afternoon nap before dinner. Having late dinner allows our family to let the kids rest for an hour or so in the late afternoon without us having to rush to wake them up to get dressed for that early dinner. Another thing we enjoy about late dining is that it is the only dining time that offers Dine & Play for kids. Your servers will bring the kids' meals first and then about 45 minutes to an hour into the seating, counselors from the Youth Clubs will arrive at the doors to each main dining restaurant to pick up any kids who want to go play in the clubs. Mom and Dad can finish dinner at a relaxing pace and have a chance to reconnect after a busy day, knowing the kids are having the time of their lives in the Youth Clubs.

I hope those details help as you count down the final few days before setting sail, Laura! Have a wonderful cruise!

Meet the Panelist: Marcy, Ohio

Welcome aboard! I'm the mom of two tween/teen Castaway Clubbers who would live on any of the Disney ships if they could. I would love to help your family discover the magic that awaits you on the open seas with Disney Cruise Line.Learn More About Marcy

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